22 January 2016

Z.P. le Roux

101 Silverado Drive

Madison

AL 35758 USA

Phone: 256.724.1587

U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Docket Operations 

West Building Ground Floor, Room w12-140

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Madam/Sir

Petition to Amend Section 333 Exemption No 14443 (Regulatory Docket No FAA-2015-2182) by adding

additional Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to Section 333 Exemption No 14443 

I hereby request that the additional remotely piloted aircraft listed below be added to our current Section 333 

exemption (Exemption No 14443) that was issued on January 14, 2016.

This request is for the inclusion of the following Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Multirotor RPA’s to the above

mentioned exemption:

 DJI Spreading Wings S900 

 DJI Spreading Wings S1000 

 DJI Spreading Wings S1000+ 

 DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

 DJI Phantom 3 

 DJI Inspire 1 

Additional information for these systems are provided in the sections below.

REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT (RPA) Detail: 

 The DJI Models: Phantom 2 Vision +, Phantom 3, Inspire 1, S900, S1000, and S1000+ are lightweight 

(under 55lb gross weight), battery operated Multi-Rotor VTOL aircraft 

 Each of the listed RPA uses an on-board flight computer with GPS navigation and location ability that 

receives signals for flight controls from a ground-based transmitter/controller 

 Each has an on-board camera attached to the RPA via a three or two axis gimbal, capable of capturing full 

color, high definition imagery 
 Each has an on-board telemetry system that delivers flight data from the on-board flight control computer 

to the on-board radio transmitter including; altitude (AGL), horizontal and vertical speed, compass direction 

of flight, and direction back to its launch site.

GROUND STATION SYSTEM DETAIL: 

The ground station system for these RPA consist of:

 A Pilot in Command (PIC) who is in operational control of a flight / mission from beginning to end.

 A Pilot in Command (PIC) who controls the RPA while in flight.

 A radio transmitter/controller operated by the (PIC) to control the RPA while in flight 

 A Ground Station (Laptop, Tablet or Smart Phone based Applications) which receives and displays real 

time system telemetry and imagery from the RPA

 A Visual Observer (VO) who teams with the PIC to visually follow and track the RPA while in flight and

who ensures a sterile cockpit environment.

This request makes no other changes to the original petition under which Exemption No. 14443 was granted. The 

exemptions sought, the operating parameters, reasons for exemption request and public interest consideration is 

thus the same as presented in our original petition.

I shall thus ensure that these additional RPA are operated under the same conditions and limitations provided in 

Exemption 14443 and the original Exemption/Rulemaking petition. 

The name and contact information of the applicant remains the same as in the original request.

Sincerely, 

Zach P. Le Roux

101 Silverado Drive

Madison AL 35758

Phone +1.256.724.1587

Email: zpleroux@gmail.com

Attachments included:

Appendix 1: VTOL Operating Procedures

Appendix 2: User Manuals for DJI RPA
Appendix 1 –VTOL Operating Procedures

FLIGHT / Mission Preparation:

Prior to embarking on a flight mission, the PIC will

1) Ensure that the Area of Operations does not violate any provisions of the Exemption or COA’s issued 

thereunder.

2) Check NOTAMS and TFR’s

3) Ensure that a distant NOTAM is issued via the appropriate channel(s).

4) Ensure that all appropriate administrative, logistical and safety matters are adequately addressed.

5) Do a pre-deployment check on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

VTOL PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST 

Once on site the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) and a Visual Observer (VO) – the Cockpit Crew - will: 

1) Assess the area of operations for potential hazards and obstacles

2) Determine the take-off and landing (return to home) location(s).

3) Place signage and / or barrier tape indicating that RPA operations are in progress.

4) Cordon off the sterile cockpit area.

5) Brief all persons present on the upcoming mission.

6) Brief and instruct all persons present on the safety aspects of the mission.

7) The cockpit crew will then move all equipment necessary to the launch location where they will complete the 

preflight inspection and checklists provided by the RPA manufacturer. For example:

a. Remove the RPA from its case 

b. Insert battery 

c. Install and/or confirm propellers are tightened 

d. Connect the Ground Station device to the Flight Controller 

e. Turn on the Flight Controller and Ground Station Device(s)

f. Turn on the RPA and run system checks 

g. Ensure communications between the RPA, Flight Controller and Ground Station Computer are 

operating properly.

If everything appears to be operating correctly the PIC will begin the mission. 

TAKE OFF/LANDING PROCEDURES 

The procedures recommended by the RPA manufacturer will be adhered to.

These recommended procedures are as follows:

1) Place the RPA on ground with the battery level indicator facing you. 

2) Power on the remote controller. 

3) Power on the range extender. 

4) Switch the camera to the “WIFI ON” position. 

5) Power on the aircraft by turning on the intelligent battery 

6) Connect the mobile device or laptop to the RPA, run the Ground Station Application to enter the camera 

preview page. 
7) Wait until the RPA is initializing and entering the “Ready to Fly”/“Ready to Fly (non-GPS).” state. Then 

proceed to execute the CSC command to start motors. 

8) Push the throttle stick up slowly to lift the aircraft off the ground. 

9) When landing, be sure to be hovering over a level surface. Pull down on the throttle stick gently to descend 

and land.

10) After landing the aircraft on the ground, keep the throttle stick at its lowest position for about 3 to 5 seconds 

which will automatically stop the motors.

DJI MULTI ROTOR FAILSAFE FUNCTIONALITY

The flight control system will automatically control the aircraft to return to home and land to reduce injuries 

or damage. The following situations would cause the aircraft to enter failsafe mode

1. The remote controller is powered off. 

2. The aircraft has flown out of the effective communication range of the remote controller. 

3. There is an obstacle obstructing the signal between the remote controller and the aircraft, essentially 

reducing the distance the signal can travel. 

4. There is interference causing a signal problem with the remote controller. 

Upon completion of mission the PIC will log information about the flight while the VO advises those in the 

area that the mission is complete.
DJI VTOL RPA APPENDIX 2

USER MANUALS FOR DJI RPA.

The user manuals for the RPA in this request are available at the locations listed below:

 DJI Spreading Wings S900: http://www.dji.com/product/spreading-wings-s900/info#downloads

 DJI Spreading Wings S1000 : http://www.dji.com/product/spreading-wings-s1000/download?www=v1

 DJI Spreading Wings S1000+ : http://www.dji.com/product/spreading-wings-s1000-plus/info#downloads

 DJI Phantom 2 Vision+: http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-2-vision-plus/download

 DJI Phantom 3 : http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3-pro/info#downloads

 DJI Inspire 1 : http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1/info#downloads